GSCM(SW) Thomas E. Eicks Senior Enlisted Advisor
Master Chief Eicks was born in Lynn, Massachusetts. He graduated, with honors, from Lynn Vocational Technical High School and enlisted in the Navy on 18 October 1993 at the age of 18. He reported to Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, IL. Upon completion of recruit training in December 1993, he reported to Naval Training Command Great Lakes, IL where he completed GSE “A” School.
In November 1994, he reported to his first duty station, USS Lake Erie (CG-70). While onboard Lake Erie he completed three Western Pacific Deployments and was advanced to the rank of Petty Officer Second Class. There he qualified EOOW, ESWS, and was the LPO for EM04. He was also awarded the Naval Academy Class of 1970 Award for inspirational leadership and the Navy League award for leadership.
After completing a 63 month tour on USS Lake Erie, he received orders to Naval Training Command Great Lakes. There he was a Gas Turbine Hot Plant Instructor. In addition to training students about Gas Turbine Plant operations he was also the GL-47 hot plant EOOW. During this tour of duty he earned the designation of Master Training Specialist and was selected as Trainer of the Quarter. He earned a Bachelors of Science in Electronics Management from Southern Illinois University, and A Masters of Arts in Management from Webster University. While at Great Lakes he was selected to the rank of Chief Petty Officer and completed the Senior Enlisted Propulsion Engineering Course.
Master Chief Eicks reported for duty on board USS Anzio in March 2003. He shortly assumed the duties as “Top Snipe” and remained in that position until his transfer. Among his many accomplishments during this tour, the Anzio received the Engineering “E” for four consecutive years while he was “Top Snipe”, the Battenberg award, and completed three training cycles and a highly successful INSURV. While onboard he served as the CMEO for 38 months and completed 2 deployments in support of OIF and OEF. While assigned to the Anzio, he was selected as SURFLANT “Top Chief”, completed the Senior Enlisted Academy, and was advanced to Senior Chief Petty Officer.
In April 2008, he reported to Afloat Training Group Atlantic. Shortly after qualifying as Gas Turbine team leader, he qualified as an Afloat Training Specialist and was selected to the rank of Master Chief Petty Officer. In addition to Gas Turbine Team Leader, Master Chief also assumed the duties as Gas Turbine Division LCPO. As LCPO, he developed a training program that ensured the 10 Senior Chiefs and 18 Chiefs in his division were up to date on the latest instructions, class advisories and messages. Despite a rigorous schedule, Master Chief earned his second Master’s Degree, a M.S. Ed. from Old Dominion University and completed all the requirements to become a licensed teacher in Virginia.
In December 2010, he reported to Commander, Destroyer Squadron TWO SIX as the Staff Engineer. He earned the title of Marine Gas Turbine Inspector. Recently he assumed responsibilities of Senior Enlisted Advisor.
Master Chief Eicks’ personal awards include: Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (five awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (three awards), and several other medals, unit awards and ribbons.